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Learning through hands-on experiences is an effective method in student achievement.

Thornwilde Elementary drama teacher Christina Jackson has taken this statement to heart. Students in the third, fourth and fifth grades have been putting on classroom holiday plays of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for primary students.

Students auditioned for speaking roles in the play ranging from the Grinch to various citizens of Whoville. Other roles included non-speaking parts such as sound effects and lighting. Students helped to create props and design the sets. This behind-the-scenes work helped to emphasize the importance of the technical side of drama productions.

“The students worked on and presented their performances to a kindergarten, first or second grade classroom within 30 days of learning the assignment. All drama students got a firsthand account of what it takes to create a production from the ground up,” Jackson said.

The students enjoyed putting on the plays for their younger classmates as much as those students enjoyed watching them. Each play was around 20 minutes long and included a special musical performance of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”